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NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato MATCH PREVIEW Mar 29, 2014 Napoli look to have a hold on third spot as they welcome leaders Juventus to the intimidating atmosphere of Stadio San Paolo. AMAZONIAN The Partenopei raced to a four-goal lead by the interval against Catania on Wednesday. Duvan Zapata bookended the scoring, with Jose Callejon and Henrique also on target. The home side grabbed two consolation goals, but Napoli re-established their 10 point lead over Fiorentina. The Sicily affair was the first time in six matches that the Azzurri netted more than once. Rafa Benitez will be hoping for a continuation of that clinical edge when they take on a miserly Juve defensive outfit. Juan Zuniga and Rafael remain long-term absentees, while Christian Maggio and Dries Mertens continue their stint on the sidelines. Faouzi Ghoulam returns from suspension. AMAZONIAN Juventus secured a record 15th consecutive home victory with a closely-fought 2-1 triumph against Parma. Carlos Tevez netted a first half brace to end the Gialloblu’s 17-match unbeaten run, although Cristian Molinaro did halve the deficit. Martin Caceres mentioned before the midweek clash that fatigue is catching up with Juve, but they will strive to push through. Antonio Conte has acknowledged that injuries have caused some to play more than they usually would, with matches coming thick and fast. Tevez sits out having reached the yellow card limit, joining Andrea Barzagli, Federico Peluso, Angelo Ogbonna and Simone Pepe in the stands. AMAZONIAN Napoli hold a slender historical advantage, winning 21 times to 20. The last two meetings in Naples have ended in draws. Keep an eye on: Marek Hamsik (Napoli) – The Slovak international has been criticised of late, with performances below his usual standard. Adding to his five Serie A goals against Juventus will be a big boost for his confidence and with it, Napoli’s run home. Form guide: Napoli (D W W L W) Juventus (W W W W W) AMAZONIAN Last season: Napoli 1-1 Juventus Stat fact: Juventus have not conquered San Paolo since the opening day of the 2000-01 season. AMAZONIAN Napoli (probable): Reina; Henrique, Fernandez, Albiol, Ghoulam; Inler, Jorginho; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain Juventus (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Osvaldo http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato De Laurentiis: 'Napoli-Juve always great' Mar 29, 2014 Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis is looking forward to tomorrow night. “It’s always a great match with Juventus.” AMAZONIAN “It’s always a great match with Juventus, so tomorrow will be a challenge between two big teams with excellent players,” the patron told Radio Kiss Kiss. “The Bianconeri are very strong, but we have beaten them at times and of course I hope we can do so again tomorrow. “I remember going back to summer tournaments, then we were promoted together from Serie B in 2007. At times we won, in others we lost, but they were always fascinating fixtures. AMAZONIAN “I wish my lads all the best for this game, which I expect to be a wonderful spectacle of football played with the utmost sporting spirit.” De Laurentiis commented on the referee and his plans to introduce video technology AMAZONIAN “I will ask the Federation to try out my experiment on using video replays in a match situation to see if it’s applicable or can be limited to certain situations. “Daniele Orsato is one of the best referees, so we must not put pressure on him. I am sure his performance will be impeccable. In fact, I hope he officiates in the English style, letting the game flow and awarding few free kicks.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Napoli-Juventus Preview: Bianconeri must face San Paolo showdown without Tevez A yellow card in the midweek win at Parma has ruled Serie A's top scorer out of the meeting with the Partenopei, who will be hoping to avenge a 3-0 defeat in Turin. Mar 29, 2014 Juventus can officially end Napoli's interest in the title on Sunday, as their own record-breaking march to the Serie A crown continues. AMAZONIAN Antonio Conte's men are closing in on a third Scudetto in a row after extending their unbeaten run in the league to 22 matches with a 2-1 win over Parma on Wednesday - a game that also saw them set an Italian top-flight landmark with a 15th straight home win. They now sit 14 points clear of second-placed Roma with eight games remaining, while Napoli are a further six points adrift and know that another defeat will officially spell the end of any lingering hopes of a miraculous championship challenge. Napoli's recent loss to Fiorentina saw them fall further behind the league leaders after their early-season promise had faltered from mid-January and into February. AMAZONIAN Draws against Bologna and Chievo were followed by a defeat to Atalanta, a run of games that saw their hopes of a first championship since 1990 begin to slip away. A third home defeat of the league campaign would leave Rafael Benitez's side 23 points behind the leaders with only 21 available, meaning that only Roma could stop the Juventus juggernaut. In reality, Benitez has long since conceded the title, but he will at least look to mastermind Napoli's first league win over Juve since January 2011, a run of six matches. AMAZONIAN And he will have the benefit of facing a side minus talisman Carlos Tevez. The Argentine striker has netted seven league goals in as many games, and is the Serie A top scorer in his debut season with 18 goals. But he will miss the clash through suspension after being yellow carded in the Parma victory. "I'm sad to be missing out on Napoli," he said. "I always want to be involved in every game. On the plus side, I'll be fresh for Lyon in the Europa League." AMAZONIAN Juve are monitoring Claudio Marchisio ahead of the game, as he continues to overcome a muscle strain, while Paul Pogba returned from suspension in midweek and should again be included. Napoli could recall Gonzalo Higuain to the starting XI after the striker was rested for the midweek win over Catania. AMAZONIAN Head to Head Serie A ‎- Nov 10, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 0 SSC Napoli Serie A ‎- Mar 1, 2013 - SSC Napoli 1 - 1 Juventus Serie A - Oct 20, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 0 SSC Napoli TIM Supercup - Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - 2 SSC Napoli Coppa Italia - May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - 2 SSC Napoli AMAZONIAN Last Five Matches SSC NAPOLI Mar 26, 2014 - Catania 2 - 4 SSC Napoli - Serie A Mar 23, 2014 - SSC Napoli 0 - 1 Fiorentina - Serie A Mar 20, 2014 - SSC Napoli 2 - 2 Porto - EL Mar 17, 2014 - Torino 0 - 1 SSC Napoli - Serie A Mar 13, 2014 - Porto 1 - 0 SSC Napoli - EL JUVENTUS Mar 26, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Parma - Serie A Mar 23, 2014 - Catania 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A Mar 20, 2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Juventus - EL Mar 16, 2014 - Genoa 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A Mar 13, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina - EL http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Anticipating Napoli vs. Juventus Mar 29, 2014 A match between the North and South, a game between two brilliant tacticians, Napoli vs. Juventus is the match between Italy's two best well-run clubs. Two teams capable of winning trophies, two sides with massive ambition. AMAZONIAN Napoli are the example to follow in Italy. They boast an excellent brand, can count on a regularly full stadium, take European competition seriously, and only Udinese made a bigger profit in the 2012-13 season. Not only are they one of the most well-run clubs in Europe, but they're also a side that continues to raise interest in the Italian league. However, on a sporting level, Napoli have stumbled upon various problems this season, ones they hope they can resolve over the summer by bringing in the right reinforcements. The centre-back partnership is far too slow and lacking in required skill. It's imperative the Azzurri scout a worthy partner for Raul Albiol to play alongside -- a player adept at playing in a four-man back-line. Meanwhile, it seems the midfield has suffered more than expected this season. Whilst Jorginho brings added creativity, Gokhan Inler is simply not the same player we have seen in recent years. The group in general have let down the defence far too often. They need to better hold the ball, remain disciplined when juggling their tasks and help provide the service required to the players upfront. AMAZONIAN Yet Napoli still represent a tough challenge, even if 20 points separate them from Juventus in the table. Some even think that, at home, Napoli are favourites to secure a win. "The Azzurri were unlucky in the match between the teams earlier in the season," said Giovanni Trapattoni. With all due respect to the former Juve coach, luck was certainly not the reason the Old Lady won that night. With Rafa Benitez essentially getting his tactics wrong by opting to sit back, absorb pressure and then hit on the counter, Juventus stung them by scoring after 75 seconds to render the tactics obsolete. Pepe Reina was Napoli's best player in the first 45 minutes and without his fantastic saves, Juventus would have scored many more. This is not the way to play against the Bianconeri, as the various ways in which they attack means they always find a way. Offence is essentially the best form of defence against Juve, as both Parma and Fiorentina have shown in recent days. AMAZONIAN The Spanish coach seemed to have quickly learned from his mistake as he adopted a more proactive approach to the game in the second half. Pinning Juventus back, Napoli applied pressure, pressed high up the pitch and surged ahead with confidence. However, as we have seen several times this season, the Azzurri do at times struggle to construct clear goalscoring opportunities. It's likely Dries Mertens will not start, which is unfortunate for the home fans, especially as he has the skills to trouble his opponents. But according to recent reports, it seems likely Benitez will play Marek Hamsik and Gonzalo Higuain from the start. Whilst the former has suffered in his ability to contribute to the side's attacking play, he has provided some excellent defensive displays -- something the team will hope to count on again when Juventus pour forward. For the Old Lady, Carlos Tevez is disappointingly suspended for the tie, and it seems Antonio Conte will opt to play Pablo Osvaldo alongside Fernando Llorente instead. However, there is a case to be made for Sebastian Giovinco. Whilst little Seba has seemingly suffered to live up to expectations, few can deny the intelligence of a player profoundly adept at creating space and elevating the performances of the teammates around him. His finishing woeful and his physique a concern, Giovinco will perhaps never be a starter for Conte's Juve, but he has enough to trouble opposing sides, especially a Napoli defence that is often slow to react and easily pulled out of position. AMAZONIAN Whilst the Southern side haven't always dazzled against the small teams, they proved that when it comes to the big games, they know how to raise the level to make an impact. However, Benitez pointed out that it won't be easy, noting the amount of money Juventus make by quoting turnover figures. Is this his way of excusing a potential defeat? Juventus may have made the most in revenue but they also have the second highest expenditure and still have debts to clear. However, as writer Massimo Pavan pointed out, quoting these figures mean little, as we have often seen in football how less profitable sides defeat the bigger and wealthier clubs. We need only look at Borussia Dortmund, the fact little Augsberg in the Bundesliga is ninth, ahead of big spenders Hamburg and Werder Bremen, whilst Everton are enjoying a remarkable season in England. Juventus have a front-line that costs close to nothing, a midfield that either arrived for free, was nurtured from youth levels or a transfer market opportunity well exploited, whilst the purchases of Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci were once-upon-a-time heavily criticised. The team was not assembled thanks to excessive spending but well executed deals in the transfer market. Their current success is one to applaud and an example to emulate, earned through hard work and a well laid-out project. If they win, it's because they deserved to. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Napoli vs. Juventus Preview: Round 31 — Southern Hospitality Mar 29, 2014 In a world where a league's first- and third-place teams face one another, there would be a whooole lot of talk going on throughout the buildup. There's still been talk because of which two teams are playing on the Stadio San Paolo field Sunday night. It's impossible not to talk about Juventus vs. Napoli when we're just a mere 24 hours away from kickoff of the first vs. third showdown in Naples. AMAZONIAN But is there as much buzz about this Juventus-Napoli match compared to when they played in Turin? Nah, not even close. That's just what happens when there's 20 points separating the two teams. Napoli hosting Juventus is still a big game. With two talented squads and a rivalry the seems to be getting bigger by the year, it's always going to be a big game. Each team has their respective things to play for right now — Juventus with a third straight Scudetto in the not-so-distant future and Napoli with Fiorentina breathing down their neck for third place in Serie A. The San Paolo will be packed because Juventus brings out the biggest of crowds pretty much no matter where they go. But this one is just a little bit more special than the other visitors to Napoli's stadio. There will be noise, a whole lot of it. There will be intensity from the opening whistle, a whole lot of it. That's just what comes with Juventus playing Napoli — no matter how many points separate the two teams in the standings. AMAZONIAN Even though there is a 20-point gap between the two teams, it's still first place vs. third place. It's still Juventus vs. Napoli. It's still two rivals going against one another in what everybody else is going to be calling the game of the week. That has to stand for something, right? I mean, out of all the big games Juventus has played the last few years, Napoli seems to be right up there. AMAZONIAN GOOD NEWS Juventus is making a beeline right for the Serie A points record. With 81 points after 30 league games, getting there is more than a legit possibility. Then you throw in that they haven't lost a league game since the middle of October, things aren't all that bad, you guys. BAD NEWS Short-attention-span reading and writing... • Carlos Tévez is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Parma midweek. I think we can remember how frustrating things were the last time Carlitos wasn't part of the starting lineup. • Injuries. Still a bunch of injuries. No Andrea Barzagli. No Angelo Ogbonna. No Federico Peluso. That's just the names that could have possibly played a role against Napoli. There are others, of course. But who really wants to have the thought of Peluso trying to defend against somebody like Gonzalo Higuain? Yeah, no thanks on that one, chief. • Napoli manager Rafa Benitez decided to rest Higuain during their 4-2 victory over Catania on Wednesday night. The good news portion of this point is that Juventus isn't Catania. So there! AMAZONIAN WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. How the Juventus offense copes with no Carlos Tévez. Juventus has played sans-Tévez this season. Not very often, but they've done so a few times this season. The end result was, well, not that great. But with Tévez suspended tomorrow night, this will be one of those games where we ask ourselves "No Tévez, no party?" It's a realistic concern, and not just because Tévez is coming off a first-half brace against Parma. Tévez has become so important to the Juve attack this season that the difference between him playing and not playing is becoming pretty noticeable. It's understandable because Tévez has been so good during his first year with Juve, but there will be times, like tomorrow, when he won't be on the field to carry the attack. Khaled Al Nouss @JuventusRelated [TJ] Juve without Tevez have won 6, drew 1 & lost 1 & Juve have scored 1.75 goals per game on average without him. Well, I guess that isn't soooo bad... 2. The impact of Fernando Llorente. Another game came and went on Wednesday night with El Rey León not making much of an impact. It's not the first time in recent weeks that Llorente has gone relatively quiet in a match. His form for three or four months was so good that it's understandable he's cooled off some. But without Tévez creating a bunch of offense this weekend, Llorente's importance will be even that much more magnified against Napoli. It doesn't necessarily mean he has to score a goal, just be the Llorente we saw when things fully clicked. But if it's the Llorente we've seen the last couple of weeks...ruh roh. AMAZONIAN 3. How Napoli defend Andrea Pirlo. I always wonder what teams that play a 4-2-3-1 like Napoli will in all likelihood utilize will do when it comes to Pirlo. There's somebody naturally there, playing in the hole, to man-mark Pirlo from start to finish, but that isn't always the case. Take, for instance, the last time Juventus played Napoli. And then beat the crap out of them. From a certain Napoli-Juventus match review from the middle of November written by a certain Ivo Andov: Pirlo had a great overall match. He did well to pull away from the half-assed man marking by Napoli and really orchestrated our attack throughout the game. The biggest question is pretty easy to figure out: Will Napoli and Rafa Benitez learn from their mistake? The first time around was Pirlo doing a whole lot of Pirlo things, picking apart a Napoli side that really did give him plenty of room to operate and pull all of the strings. AMAZONIAN 4. Juventus' defense against Napoli's attack. Talent vs. talent. Gonzalo Higuain vs. Giorgio Chiellini and so on and so on and so on. Between the three-man defense of Juventus and the Napoli attack, there's plenty of can't-miss players — and matchups — that are bound to happen. Outside of Juventus, nobody has scored more goals than Napoli's 57. Simple math tells me that's an average of a little bit less than two goals every time Napoli step onto the field against a Serie A opponent. But as we know, not every defense is as good as the one Conte will be fielding on Sunday night. One thing is for certain: Juventus' defense isn't anything close to Catania's. Which, I might add, is definitely a good thing. AMAZONIAN 5. Paul Pogba vs. Napoli's midfield. If it wasn't for Tévez being his usual awesome self against Parma on Wednesday, Paul Pogba would have been my pick for Juve's top player of the match. He was back to being Pogba good — explosive runs forward, slick passes, slicker moves to get around the opposition. It was more of the Pogba we saw at the beginning of the season rather than the one we had been seeing the last month or two. The rest last weekend did him plenty good, and now it's time to build off it. And luckily for us, Pogba just so happens to have a thing with scoring beautiful goals against Napoli. Yeah, that's quite a pretty goal. AMAZONIAN My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Osvaldo OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato How Juventus Will Line Up Against Napoli Mar 29, 2014 Before May, Juventus could win the Scudetto. They are trying for 100 points, a total no team in Serie A history has claimed. That they are unbeaten in 22 games is a good sign. AMAZONIAN Leonardo Bonucci told Corriere dello Sport (h/t Sky Sports) that the game this weekend at Napoli is their “hardest match before the end of the season.” The Europa League could hold a few more tough fixtures for them—Juventus play Lyon this week—but the remaining eight games for Juventus in Serie A do not pose much of a challenge, Livorno, Bologna and Sassuolo among the easy prey. OptaPaolo @OptaPaolo 81 - Juventus have picked up 81 points, more than any other side after 30 match-days in the Serie A history. Signora. The atmosphere at the San Paolo is not kind to any visitor, but Juventus in particular have not won a match there since 2001, per Football Italia. And Napoli have the desire to beat Juventus. Lorenzo Insigne just wants to score (h/t Football Italia). He has started the past three games, and it is always tough for Benitez to choose between Insigne and Dries Mertens, who is also available for the game. AMAZONIAN Gonzalo Higuain must have the same itch. He has lost all three games that he has played against Juventus, without scoring at all. But Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik add several dimensions to an attack only second to Juventus in scoring in Serie A. Juventus won’t have Tevez or Andrea Barzagli—Tevez will serve a suspension after collecting his fourth yellow card during the week—but they will have Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal in midfield. Paul Pogba has not enjoyed the most consistent of seasons, despite all the chatter about his future, and he has fallen off a little. He needs a big game. Pirlo has won points on his own, and while he commands the craft of the free-kick like no other player, Juventus need more of a threat out front. Even with Tevez, Juventus have not played as the standings suggest as of late. AMAZONIAN They hold a 20-point advantage over Napoli, but the Bianconeri have let up. They keep winning, and maybe that’s all that matters, but they have managed just seven goals in their past six games in all competitions. Pablo Osvaldo should get the chance to get his first goal in Serie A with Juventus, and Fernando Llorente will most likely play beside him. It’s a decent partnership, Osvaldo being the kind of player to drift out of the middle and out wide, Llorente assuming a stronger presence in the box. The one thing they do best is defending. Juventus may give up shots, and Gianluigi Buffon may have to make a big save, but they limit the number of shots actually on goal. AMAZONIAN Journalist Gianluca DiMarzio reported on Friday that Juve had a meeting with Martin Caceres to discuss a contract extension, and it is no surprise: The Uruguayan has played more games lately as a replacement in the starting lineup for the injured Barzagli. Caceres is a pretty clean defender with a great aerial presence, and he plays well with Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Maybe Caceres needs those anchors do perform with confidence. When he plays with Angelo Ogbonna, it’s not so tidy. But the depth of Juventus and their ability to edge out those close games is the overwhelming characteristic that separates them from the rest. Benitez told reporters, per Football Italia, that Juventus simply have the money to win. The statement is not really fact. AMAZONIAN James Horncastle @JamesHorncastle Benitez: “… when you have more money, it’s easier to win.” Napoli gross spend 100.7m euro. net -29.5m. Juventus gross 31.8m, net +5.9m. So the match on Sunday is not necessarily about the standings. The feelings of resentment are there. Napoli still stand six points behind Roma in second place, and they may want that spot to qualify directly to the Champions League proper. But there is no race between Juventus and Napoli. Probable formation: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Osvaldo http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Benitez 'feels Napoli-Juve' importance Mar 29, 2014 Rafa Benitez admits Napoli “feel the importance of this game” against Juventus and snapped at Jose Mourinho. “He talks too much.” AMAZONIAN It’s third against first in Serie A at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday at 20.45 CET. “You can feel the importance of the game here,” said the Coach in a Press conference. “Juve are strong and everyone wants to win the match. There are three important points up for grabs that would allow us to achieve our objective.” AMAZONIAN There is a 20-point difference between them in the Serie A table and Benitez blamed cash concerns. “I didn’t expect there to be such a big gap between us and Juve, but a lot depends on the squads and Juve have the best strength in depth. “Juve have a winning mentality, but they needed time to achieve that. It’s also true that €30m revenue allows you to buy the best players in the world. That too is a winning mentality. AMAZONIAN “They have a squad that allows them to always compete for silverware. Napoli mustn’t be a club who focus on winning a competition once every 10 years. We need to keep improving, year by year. “Our objective is to catch Roma in second place. If we beat Juve, then we’ll be closer to that target. Obviously, if you have injuries and various problems, then it becomes difficult. We want to give our team a precise identity and the fans will help us in that. “I love to feel the passion of the fans for this game, as it fires everyone up. We must reach a stage where we can play games like this on a similar level to our opponents. AMAZONIAN “The squad is having a good season, but Roma and Juve are doing better than we are. In order to go for the Scudetto we need more quality and belief. We have lacked that winning mentality.” When it came to discussing tactics, Benitez preferred to remain vague. “I don’t want to say too much because Antonio Conte is listening! I don’t like talking about systems, as the difference is made by players who understand football. We must do everything well in order to beat a team doing spectacular work. AMAZONIAN “We can beat anyone. Don’t forget when we beat Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, they were top of their Leagues. Roma were in great form when facing us, yet we beat them twice.” This week Chelsea manager Mourinho said Juve shouldn’t consider winning the Europa League a success, just as Benitez did last year, because the team was built to win the Champions League. “He talks too much, whereas I like to let facts do the talking. At Liverpool I knocked his Chelsea out of the Champions League when we had half his money.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Mertens recovers for Juve game Mar 29, 2014 Dries Mertens has recovered in time to be in Napoli’s squad for tomorrow night against Juventus. AMAZONIAN It kicks off at 20.45 CET time. There had been huge doubts over whether Belgium international Mertens would be available, but he has been named in Rafa Benitez’s team. Christian Maggio is still out after undergoing surgery for a collapsed lung, while Juan Camilo Zuniga and Rafael are long-term absentees. AMAZONIAN Napoli squad for Juventus: Reina, Doblas, Colombo, Reveillere, Ghoulam, Mesto, Henrique, Albiol, Britos, Fernandez, Inler, Jorginho, Berhami, Dzemaili, Radosevic, Callejon, Mertens, Insigne, Bariti, Hamsik, Pandev, Higuain, Duvan Zapata http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Del Piero: 'Napoli-Juve is special' Mar 29, 2014 Alessandro Del Piero admits Napoli-Juventus “is a very special” game and he’s impressed by Lorenzo Insigne. AMAZONIAN The Sydney FC star spoke to newspaper Il Mattino about tomorrow night’s clash. “The San Paolo is a very special stadium for me and it must be in the destiny of anyone who wears the Number 10 jersey. “If I think back to the goal I scored from a free kick here in Serie B, I must say both Napoli and Juventus have come a long way.” AMAZONIAN In 2006-07 these two giants were both in the second division, as the Bianconeri were punished for Calciopoli and the Partenopei were working their way back up from Serie C after bankruptcy. “I think that staying with Juventus in Serie B, even before I knew how large the points penalty was going to be, was the best decision I could’ve made,” added Del Piero. “I had an extraordinary season that gave extra meaning to everything that came afterwards, including the trophy I lifted on the last game at the Juventus Stadium. AMAZONIAN “I think in future Napoli can fight for the Scudetto with Juventus, as Aurelio De Laurentiis has planned very well and it still needs a little time to build a great squad.” Del Piero will be watching tomorrow’s match from Australia and has been particularly impressed by one of Napoli’s home-grown talents. AMAZONIAN “I really like Insigne, as I think he can go far. I don’t think it’s wise to give advice, as he knows what he has to do, first of all to never stop cultivating and working on that talent. I wish him all the best and I was glad to hear his sincere words of praise for me. “As for Juventus, their strength is that winning mentality. This team wins because it learned how to suffer when the results did not come. My teammates are doing extraordinary things.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

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Serie A - 12^ giornata - Ritorno - 30-3-2014 (ore 20:45) - Stadio San Paolo - Napoli Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Confronti ufficiali 156 - 135 (Serie A) - 9 (Coppa Italia) - 6 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 72 - 61 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 50 - 46 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Napoli 34 - 28 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 241 - 198 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 21 (Campionato a gironi) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Napoli 173 - 146 (Serie A) - 13 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 7 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 3 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Napoli - Juventus Serie A a Napoli Confronti ufficiali 67 Vittorie Juventus 20 (L'ultima il 30.09.2000, 1-2) Pareggi 26 (L'ultimo il 01.03.2013, 1-1) Vittorie Napoli 21 (L'ultima il 09.01.2011, 3-0) Goals Juventus 78 Goals Napoli 82 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Napoli a Napoli 13 presenze Scirea Gaetano 12 Furino Giuseppe 11 Boniperti Giampiero 11 Zoff Dino 10 Bettega Roberto 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Gentile Claudio 10 Salvadore Sandro 10 Varglien I Mario 9 Cabrini Antonio 3 goals Boniperti Giampiero 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Sivori Omar Enrique 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Buso Renato 2 Candiani Enrico 2 Capello Fabio 2 Chiellini Giorgio 2 Damiani Giuseppe 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Hansen John Ultimi confronti diretti 25.03.2010 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 09.01.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-0 22.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-2 29.11.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-3 01.04.2012 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 3-0 20.05.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 0-2 11.08.2012 Supercoppa Italiana Juventus-Napoli 4-2 20.10.2012 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-0 01.03.2013 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 1-1 10.11.2013 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 3-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Napoli 3 - Goals Juventus 19 - Goals Napoli 16

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Napoli v Juventus– Team News, Tactics, Line-ups And Prediction Mar 29, 2014 Juventus travel to the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday to take on Napoli in what should have been a decisive game in the Scudetto race but in reality it is far from it. Much was expected from Napoli this season when Rafael Benitez took charge of a team which finished second last season and were looking to go one better this term. Edinson Cavani left for PSG but he was ably replaced by Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid along with Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon. Morgan De Sanctis was replaced by Pepe Reina and promising Belgian winger Dries Mertens was signed from PSV. January saw them bring in left back Faouzi Ghoulam from Saint-Étienne and the impressive Jorginho from Verona. But this Napoli team has been a picture of inconsistency and their once feared fortress San Paolo has been breached by Parma and Fiorentina this term while Udinese, Chievo, Sassuolo and most recently Porto have claimed damaging stalemates to leave Napoli way behind the table toppers and also out of Europe (Champions league and Europa League). AMAZONIAN They have reached their second Coppa Italia final in three years but surely that was the least prioritized target at the beginning of the season. Defensive blunders and lack of concentration were seen far too often in the Champions League just as they were in Serie A. Benitez has not yet found his preferred center back pairing while injuries to full backs Zúñiga and Mesto has not helped the cause either. Pepe Reina looked shaky in the first couple of games of the season, but has improved vastly. Third place is more or less safe for them so they have nothing but pride to play for in this fixture. Of course, Neapolitans will cherish a victory over bitter rivals Juventus and Higuan and co. will look to do just that. Juventus meanwhile come to this game on the back of a 7 match winning streak which included a record breaking 15th consecutive home win against high flying Parma on Wednesday. Performances have not been very impressive in the recent games but all these hard earned victories have cemented a 14 points lead at the top and also a place in the quarterfinal of the Europa League. Juventus themselves are chasing a few records namely the 100 points mark, maximum number of victories in a season and they would look for a positive result in San Paolo where they last won in this fixture back in 2000. AMAZONIAN Team News and Tactical Brief NAPOLI A home loss to Fiorentina and a depressing exit from Europa League was followed by an impressive away win at Sicily. Benitez would hope to build on that positive first half show against Catania and press home their advantage early in the game. Raul Albiol and Gonzalo Higuain were rested on Wednesday so both are expected to return to the starting lineup. First choice left back Faouzi Ghoulam returns from suspension. Albiol will start alongside Frederico Fernandez at the heart of defence while Henrique who had a fine game on Wednesday will take up his unusual place on the right fullback position. Mesto and Juan Zuniga have started training after their long injury layoffs but are not fit enough to start such an important fixture. The double pivot midfield should see Inler start as the anchor man while Jorginho is expected to play a more supportive role to the Swiss man. Juventus should keep an eye on the long rangers from Inler as last year they were punished for offering him too much time and space. AMAZONIAN Dries Mertens has recovered from his ankle injury but is likely to start from the bench so Lorenzo Insigne will take the right side of attack with Marek Hamsik playing just behind the striker. The ever impressive Jose Callejon completes the attacking frontline while Higuain is expected to start at the top. The three men backline of Juventus came under heavy pressure in the first fixture this season and it should be the same story this time as well. The mobile front three are expected to interchange positions to unsettle the opposition defence while the fullbacks will be looking to push up and make a telling contribution. Probable Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1): Reina; Henrique, Fernandez, Albiol, Ghoulam; Jorginho, Inler; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain. AMAZONIAN JUVENTUS Juventus meanwhile still have only three first choice defenders to choose from as Barzagli, Ogbonna and Peluso continue to miss out through injury. Claudio Marchisio got 30 minutes game time on his return from injury against Parma but the trio of Pirlo, Pogba and Vidal are expected to start on Sunday. Mauricio Isla will get a rare start and this could be a chance to showcase himself as a worthy candidate for the right fullback position. Kwado Asamoah will face a tough test against the wily Napoli wingers so he needs to step up his game tonight. Juventus will no doubt miss the services of in-form Carlos Tevez but Pablo Osvaldo will look to grab this opportunity and continue his fine goal scoring record at the San Paolo. He will be partnered upfront by Sebastien Giovinco as Conte will most likely rest Fernando Llorente ahead of the midweek trip to Lyon. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Caceres; Asamoah, Isla; Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba, Osvaldo, Giovinco. AMAZONIAN Players to Watch Out For Martín Cáceres (Juventus) When Andrea Barzagli pulled up during the warm-up before the Genoa game and was subsequently declared absent for 20 days, there were fears that the congested fixture list would be difficult for Juventus to handle without the ace defender. Ever since Barzagli’s absence, Juventus have conceded only two goals in five games and his replacement Martín Cáceres has been at the heart of this solid defensive unit. Cáceres himself has flourished with a steady run of games under his belt. An exemplary professional who inspite of limited game time has always answered the emergency call for his club, Cáceres has proven to be more than capable of doing a job in the three men backline. He was solid away at Florence where Juventus had a very small margin of error. He followed up those displays with an assured performance at Sicily and Wednesday night he impressively shut out the in-form Antonio Cassano to help Juventus register yet another win at home. He is very confident with the ball evident from his 64 completed passes against Parma. Napoli will present a tough challenge on Sunday but EL Pelado will look to tackle it with supreme confidence. Jose Callejón (Napoli) Gonzalo Higuaín made most of the headlines upon his arrival in Naples but it is the other newcomer José Callejón who has truly surprised pundits and amazed the San Paolo crowd. Callejón is not a winger who can take out a defender with only his speed but in the middle he is emphatically decisive. A tremendously versatile player capable of playing in any position upfront, Callejon has scored some stunning goals this season as well as creating decisive goal scoring opportunities for his teammates. His winner against Roma was a classy finish similar to a seasoned striker. Juventus must keep an eye on the Spaniard as he looks to add to his 16 goals this season. AMAZONIAN Prediction Napoli 1–1 Juventus Juventus have not won in Naples since 2000. They will be looking to break this jinx but have a tough task in front of them with their top scorer Tevez suspended. It is true that the fortress has been breached several times this season but Napoli will look to raise their game a few notches higher in this high voltage clash. Expect a tight and tense encounter with both sides cancelling each other out. Blast From the Past Last time Juventus came back with three points from San Paolo was back in 2000 when goals from Del Piero and Kovacevic helped Carlo Ancelotti’s men overturn a first half goal from Stellone to beat Zeman’s Napoli . Napoli finished the season on 17th place and were subsequently relegated to Serie B. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Benitez: Mourinho talks too much The Spaniard says he has little time for the Portuguese's opinions, explaining that he prefers to deal in facts rather than conjecture. Mar 29, 2014 Napoli boss Rafael Benitez has fired a retaliatory shot in his ongoing war of words with Jose Mourinho, claiming the Chelsea boss "talks too much". AMAZONIAN The Portuguese coach claimed during the week that Juventus would not be entitled to view winning this season's Europa League as 'success', given the Serie A titleholders started the season in the Champions League. However, Benitez, who has had a strained relationship with Mourinho ever since his time in charge of Liverpool, has now decided to stand up for the Bianconeri, whom Napoli face at the San Paolo on Sunday night. "He talks too much," the Spaniard told reporters on Saturday. "Whereas I like to let facts do the talking. "At Liverpool I knocked his Chelsea out of the Champions League when we had half the money ..." AMAZONIAN Turning his attention to Juventus but without moving off the issue of financial muscle, Benitez argued that third-placed Napoli will have to continue to splash the cash if they are to reach the Old Lady's level. "We feel the importance of this game," he confessed. "Juve are a strong team and both of us will want to win. They are three crucial points for us in terms of reaching our objective. "But their squad is stronger and this aspect makes the difference. If then you have injuries and various problems it becomes difficult. "We have dropped around eight points that could have made the difference. A winning mentality can also make the difference and we're always thinking about things that we need [in the transfer market]. AMAZONIAN "But it's not the same to take a player to London or Madrid, as it is to Naples. We know this. But we must aim to sign players of a level with which we can meet the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. "But the difference between the turnovers enables one team to create a winning structure and squad every year. "With a €300 million turnover, Juve can buy the strongest players every year. They have been doing it for a lifetime. AMAZONIAN "You must spend every year in order to compete. You can only acquire a winning mentality by signing players used to winning. "We should not be a club that aims to win a cup every 25 years. There have been mistakes but we have grown." Despite the fact that he feels the financial playing field is tipped in Juve's favour, he fully expects his Napoli side that they can compete with the two-time defending champions. AMAZONIAN "Our intention is to go into a game of this kind with the right attitude," the former Valencia boss explalined. "Our squad is strong but [second-placed] Roma and the Bianconeri are doing better. "We must learn to manage games and maintain the level we showed in the Champions League and in some Serie A matches, like against the Giallorossi and the two Milan clubs [AC and Inter]. AMAZONIAN "I cannot say too much about how to beat Juventus; Conte is listening! We have to try to do well against a team that is having a spectacular season. "Our best players will have to make the difference in a game like this." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Falcao: Tevez is Serie A's only champion The former Roma ace believes Italy's top flight needs greater investment to compete with Europe's major leagues and is backing Real Madrid for the Champions League. Mar 29, 2014 Former Roma star Falcao believes Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is the only "champion" of international reputation currently playing in Serie A. http://markting10.nl/ The Argentine striker currently tops the goalscoring charts in Italy's top flight after an impressive first season with the Bianconeri following his move from Manchester City. Falcao feels significant investment in Italy's top flight is needed in order to attract more players of Tevez's standing and bolster the standard of the competition. "The only champion of international character in Italy is Tevez, and that makes a difference. We need new sources of revenue to compete with La Liga, the Bundesliga and Premier League," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. http://markting10.nl/ "But I still prefer Serie A, as many Brazilians do. For me, it has preserved its charm." The former Brazil interntional also hit out at question marks over the ability and commitment of Mario Balotelli, insisting the AC Milan striker can be one of the leading lights for Italy at this summer's World Cup. "For me, Mario is a champion. Full stop. I don't judge the man, I don't know him. But his talent is unquestionable," he said. http://markting10.nl/ "Italy, I think, has many other players who can make a difference, like [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Daniele] De Rossi and [Andrea] Pirlo. Italy have everything for a great World Cup: the usual great defence, and in addition, the desire to play football." Finally, Falcao tipped Bayern Munich as the favourites to claim this season's Champions League, but admitted he would be supporting Real Madrid and former Giallorossi team-mate Carlo Ancelotti. "There are some crazy ties in the quarter-finals, it's impossible to make a prediction. If I have to say, then Bayern. But I'll be rooting for Ancelotti's Real Madrid. I have so many memories with my friend Carletto," he added.

Scuffet: 'I'd love to be like Buffon' Mar 29, 2014 Simone Scuffet is only 17, but is already tipped for a World Cup place. “It’d be a dream to follow Gigi Buffon’s footsteps.” http://markting10.nl/ The Udinese goalkeeper only made his Serie A debut last month, but in nine games has won over all of Italy with his performances, most recently to keep a clean sheet at San Siro against Inter. “My family taught me you need to be humble and dedicated to your work,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in a front page story. “I must thank Francesco Guidolin, as he is responsible for me being in this position right now. He had great courage that day in Bologna to pick me. http://markting10.nl/ “It would be wonderful and a dream to follow Buffon’s footsteps. How marvellous it would be to win what he has for Juventus and with the Italy shirt. “As for Samir Handanovic, I would love to be able to attack the ball the same way he does. “I do feel that it’s up to me to prove I am worthy of playing alongside the senior members of the squad, though it is not easy. http://markting10.nl/ “There are many forwards I fear facing in Serie A, but then I have the privilege of training with Antonio Di Natale. When he gets that bend on the ball, there’s nothing you can do.” Scuffet has never even played at Italy Under-21 level, but is already being tipped for the third goalkeeping jersey at the 2014 World Cup. “For now I am very happy and I’ll wait to see what happens next season. If I think that at the start of the year I was the fourth choice goalkeeper at Udinese, then knowing I am now a starter is something to be truly proud of.”

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS March 30, 2014 - 8:45 PM San Paolo Stadium — Naples Referee: Daniele Orsato Key Battles That Will Shape Napoli's Clash with Juventus Mar 28, 2014 Napoli host Juventus on Sunday in a game that does not have the significance that most neutral calcio fans would have liked. AMAZONIAN The Partenopei's title challenge has long since burned out, while Juve have relentlessly stormed to, in all probability, a third successive title. Rafael Benitez's side know there is still plenty riding on the game, however, even if the Azzurri go into the match seeking a win for entirely different reasons. Benitez is adamant that second in the table should be the goal now, with Roma holding a sizeable advantage to be the best of the rest. AMAZONIAN Despite the obvious fact that second is better than third, failure to usurp the Giallorossi will mean that Benitez's side will face a Champions League qualifier at the very beginning of next season, something that is never ideal when preparing the squad during pre-season. The Old Lady have different challenges left to fulfill this season, even if they continue to insist the title race is not over. AMAZONIAN Antonio Conte's side are set for a record points total in Serie A and they will see Napoli as a stepping stone to this. There is also the small matter of both sides gaining a psychological edge for the start of next season, with Napoli surely looking to hold together a more sustained title challenge. AMAZONIAN Napoli's Wide Players Stealing a March on Juve's Full-Backs Napoli's best bet to cause Juve problems could be to set their wide players free in behind Juve's full-backs as soon as they win possession. Jose Maria Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne, in for the injured Dries Mertens, will need to be alert when Napoli are able to dispossess the Old Lady. Upon this moment, we can expect Behrami and Gokhan Inler or Jorginho to use their excellent distribution to stretch the game and speed up the home side's transition from defence to attack. AMAZONIAN Kwadwo Asamoah is in a rich vein of form, but he is at his most impressive when pressing high up the pitch and joining in with Juve's attacks. The Ghanaian must be disciplined, in the same way that Stephan Lichtsteiner has proven to be over a long period, when picking his moments to offer Juve a wide threat in the final third and when to be more restrained. AMAZONIAN Insigne has been one of Napoli's best performers this season, but the Italian winger has been far too inconsistent and conceded his place to Mertens. With Mertens out with injury, this becomes an even greater opportunity for Insigne. On the opposite flank, if left-back Faouzi Ghoulam can force his opponent Lichtsteiner to drop deeper, Napoli will be able to force two-against-one situations. Algerian Ghoulam, back from suspension, is always willing to dovetail the right-winger in front of him. AMAZONIAN Hamsik Can Disrupt Pirlo's Ability to Control the Match Marek Hamsik has struggled for form in recent weeks, but this game he may need to put aside his troubles in the final third when Napoli are in possession in order to help his team. The Slovakian could have an enormous impact on this game by positioning himself in the pocket of space between Juve's midfield and defence. Ideally Hamsik will disrupt Andrea Pirlo at every opportunity he can get, as he remains one of the more athletic players in the league, though the 26-year-old's usually impressive passing and shooting has eluded him in recent months. AMAZONIAN With a tremendous engine and determination when pressing, Hamsik could be key to preventing Pirlo from quieting the San Paolo crowd, which is what Juve will obviously seek to do in the early stages of the match. Gonzalo Higuain is often very intelligent when Napoli break up the opposition's spell in possession, usually darting between defenders and offering a channel of space for a teammate to pick him out. If Hamsik can force Pirlo to surrender possession enough times, similar to what Fiorentina did against Juve at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the league, the Bianconeri can begin to look vulnerable defending against quick, direct opposition. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo: Juve right for me Mar 29, 2014 Juventus talisman Andrea Pirlo believes the Old Lady are the right club with which to continue his career. AMAZONIAN The 34-year-old revealed he has recently been offered chances to move abroad but turned them down to remain in Turin. “In recent years I have assessed chances to have an experience abroad, but in the end I’m fine here,” Pirlo told Sky Sport. “I think this is the best place for me to continue playing football. AMAZONIAN “It’s Conte’s third year but the hunger to win is always the same. The formation and style of play has changed but our substance has remained the same. “We have gained experiences and knowledge, things that have helped us to get the results we have. “I always play to win, I always have big targets in mind. AMAZONIAN “We are out of the Champions League but now we need to concentrate on the Europa League. “The more targets you have, the greater the will to win." The veteran midfielder then commented on his side’s opponents on Sunday, Napoli, and the renewal of Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli’s contract. AMAZONIAN “We know where we want to get to,” he said. “Napoli are a great team, the 20 point difference between the teams will count for nothing on the pitch. “In the reverse fixture with Napoli we played very well. It was a huge game but we went out onto the pitch to win, like we always do. “Prandelli’s renewal? We are happy, he has done very well and it was right to give his project continuity.”

Webb: Pirlo’s free-kick… Mar 29, 2014 Howard Webb is grateful for his ovation at Fiorentina-Juventus, and for being able to witness first hand Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick. AMAZONIAN The Premier League match official and his team directed affairs in the second leg of the Serie A sides’ Europa League Last 16 clash at the Stadio Artemio Franchi last week. Webb was well received by the crowd and was given an ovation by supporters before the kick-off. “It was a fantastic evening, when I heard the ovation of the audience I did not realise it was for me. AMAZONIAN “I turned around to see if someone important had entered the field…” Webb has considered to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport since. “I enjoy these things - to be a referee is a passion, but without the co-operation of the palyers, fans and journalists, it becomes all the more difficult. “It is important to understand the difficulties of a referee, we are humans and make mistakes. AMAZONIAN “Would I like to referee in Serie A? It’s a difficult League and therefore challenging, but it would be a good experience for me.” The 42-year-old, who refereed in 2010 the World Cup Final and Champions League Final, was asked about the winning goal in that match, from an Andrea Pirlo free-kick. “Pirlo’s free-kick was magnificent, we have the good fortune to be able to witness certain masterpieces live and to see the best players in the world. This was the case in Fiorentina-Juventus.” AMAZONIAN Webb was asked for a prediction for this summer’s World Cup clash between England and Italy. “I don’t know, perhaps I will watch the game with my friend Rizzoli, a great referee, like his collegues - the Italian school is really of the highest level.”

‘Pogba evaluations after World Cup’ Mar 28, 2014 Mino Raiola has clarified that he and Paul Pogba won’t consider offers from Juventus or other clubs until after the World Cup. AMAZONIAN The 21-year-old’s form since joining the Old Lady from Manchester United in 2012 has increasingly attracted speculation in the media linking him with the likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Whilst the Bianconeri have commented on their desire to keep hold of the midfielder and have been seen as preparing an improved contract offer to counter such interest, the player’s representative has now looked to clarify the situation. “Right now the guy is just thinking about playing, to focus on the championship fight and on winning the Europa League,” agent Raiola has told today’s edition of Tuttosport. AMAZONIAN “It means a lot to retain the Scudetto, but also to lift a Cup at the Juventus Stadium in mid-May. The Europa League is snubbed by most in Italy, but by mistake. “Pogba is bursting with motivation. He wants to win everything with Juventus, from here to the end of the season. “And then he will go into the World Cup with France - an amazing achievement for a phenomenal guy who a year ago had just won the World Championship at Under-20 level.” AMAZONIAN Raiola was prompted for comment on interest from other clubs in Pogba. “Nothing in the pot is boiling. Until after Brazil we will not move a leaf. We have decided to postpone any type of negotiation until after. “Pogba wants to play a great World Cup, and for this he must think only of the field in the next three-and-a-half months. AMAZONIAN “Pogba is in a great moment in Turin. And there is not any kind of problem with Juventus. He is pleased with Juve, just as everyone at Juve is happy with Pogba. “Paul still has a long contract in Turin until 2016. There is no rush, no urgency. Even so, for now, Pogba will not leave. “For now, he does not want to go away, then if one day a crazy offer arrived for him and for Juve, well, it would be assessed together. AMAZONIAN “That is to say - a crazy bid from Real Madrid, rather than another top European club. We will evaluate everything after the World Cup, in due course - any offers from other clubs, as well as any proposals for the renewal of the contract at Juventus. “So, it is true that I am not dealing with anyone in Turin or elsewhere. Everything is postponed, Juventus knows this. “I repeat - there are no problems of any kind.”

Tevez ‘didn’t expect decisiveness’ Mar 28, 2014 Carlos Tevez says he didn’t expect to be so decisive for Juventus in his first year, as he reflects on where the League is won and lost. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri have seen goals from their No 10 decide games just this week against Catania and Parma, in a campaign that has so far yielded 18 League strikes for the forward. It is an impact that the 30-year-old says he did not expect to have. “In truth, I did not think so, I only had in mind to do my job, this is the first year in Italy, too,” Tevez has considered to La Stampa. AMAZONIAN “It is a very difficult championship. We played Catania in almost a climate of war, whilst it has been hard against Parma. “These are games that allow you to win championships - the classics against Napoli, Milan and Inter also count, but playing and winning battles like those of last Sunday in Sicily is really important.” Tevez is set for a summer away from football, as Alejandro Sabella looks unlikely to call him up to Argentina’s World Cup squad. AMAZONIAN “We always talk about the national team, but I think just to doing my job. It is not me who decides, it is up to the Coach, Sabella. “I will not say any more, I do not answer Argentine journalists and I do not take phone calls. I do not think it is the case that a player should call the Coach.” AMAZONIAN Tevez was also asked about the man right behind him in the scoring charts, who he has had previous run-ins with but is rumoured as set to return to Juventus for next season, Ciro Immobile. “He is proving to be a great player, it is not easy to score 17 goals in Italy. He is doing very well, it is clear that he deserves to wear this shirt.”

Pirlo: I'm happy to end my career at Juventus The Italy international says he is happy at the Serie A champions and has pledged his support to Cesare Prandelli after the Italy coach renewed his contract. Mar 29, 2014 Juventus veteran Andrea Pirlo has suggested he would be happy to end his career with the Turin club. AMAZONIAN The 34-year-old, who has never played for a club outside of Italy, has said he had contemplated opportunities outside of his homeland in the past, but the playmaker was content with life at Juventus Stadium. "In recent years I have assessed chances to have an experience abroad, but in the end I'm fine here," Pirlo told Sky Sport. "I think this is the best place for me to continue playing football. AMAZONIAN "It's Conte's third year but the hunger to win is always the same. The formation and style of play has changed but our substance has remained the same. "We have gained experiences and knowledge, things that have helped us to get the results we have. "I always play to win, I always have big targets in mind. AMAZONIAN "We are out of the Champions League but now we need to concentrate on the Europa League. "The more targets you have, the greater the will to win." Juve face third-placed Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday, and are closing on a 30th Scudetto, and third in succession. AMAZONIAN Pirlo said their huge buffer on Rafael Benitez's men was irrelevant heading into the weekend's clash. "We know where we want to get to. Napoli are a great team, the 20 point difference between the teams will count for nothing on the pitch. "In the reverse fixture with Napoli we played very well. It was a huge game but we went out onto the pitch to win, like we always do." AMAZONIAN Pirlo's Italy are World Cup-bound in mid-year, and he said he was pleased his nation's FA showed faith in coach Cesare Prandelli by renewing his contract. "Prandelli's renewal? We are happy, he has done very well and it was right to give his project continuity," he said.

Pirlo: Tevez has proven himself an 'extraordinary' talent The playmaker has saluted the Argentine for the way in which he has lived up to his reputation as a world-class forward by storming to the top of Serie A's top goalscorers' chart. Mar 28, 2014 Andrea Pirlo has paid tribute to Carlos Tevez for himself a player of "extraordinary capabilities" since joining Juventus last summer. AMAZONIAN AC Milan appeared the Italian side most likely to sign the Argentine from former club Manchester City but a proposed move to San Siro during the 2013 January transfer window collapsed because of the two parties' inability to agree a deal. The Rossoneri's loss proved Juve's gain, as Tevez has enjoyed a stunning debut campaign in Italy following a €14 million move to Turin, having netted 18 times in 19 Serie A appearances. “He’s a truly great player with extraordinary capabilities," Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. "Everyone knew it already because he had won a lot in England, but as soon as he got here he showed his value.” AMAZONIAN Tevez's goals have put Juve within touching distance of a third successive Scudetto, with Antonio Conte's men currently 14 points clear of second-placed Roma. Pirlo, though, is taking nothing for granted, particularly as Juve face a trick trip to the San Paolo on Sunday to face Napoli, who sit third in the standings. “We’ve played a great season so far, but we haven’t won anything yet," the midfielder pointed out. AMAZONIAN "Napoli are a strong side, and out there on the field the points difference will count for nothing on Sunday." Indeed, Pirlo insists that in spite of their advantageous position in the league, there will be no letting up in closing weeks of the season as Juve look to pull off a Serie A and Europa League double. “I always play to win, always with the big objectives in mind," the Italy international declared. "This year it’s the Italian championship and the Europa League. AMAZONIAN “The formation and the style of play might have changed in these three years [at Juve], but the desire has always been a constant.” Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer in 2011, after a decade with AC Milan.

Tevez surprised by debut Juventus season The striker has scored 18 goals in his first 29 games in Serie A and admits he thought the adaptation period would perhaps have been a little tougher. Mar 28, 2014 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has surprised himself by how well he has adapted to life in Serie A this season. AMAZONIAN The Argentina international joined the Italian champions from Manchester City last June and has gone on to become the leading scorer in the division, with 18 goals in 29 outings. Tevez's goals have helped put Juve firmly on course for a third straight Scudetto, with Antonio Conte's side currently 14 points clear of second-placed Roma with just eight games to go, while they are also in the last eight of the Europa League. However, despite their continued domestic dominance, Tevez has insisted the Italian top flight has been tough, adding that he did not expect to hit the ground running so quickly in Turin. AMAZONIAN When asked by La Stampa whether he envisaged having such a strong debut campaign, he said: "In truth, I did not think so, I only had in mind to do my job, this is the first year in Italy, too. "It is a very difficult championship. We played Catania (winning 1-0 at the Stadio Angelo Massimino last Sunday) in almost a climate of war, while it has been hard against Parma (in a 2-1 home win on Wednesday). AMAZONIAN "These are games that allow you to win championships - the classics against Napoli, Milan and Inter also count, but playing and winning battles like those of last Sunday in Sicily is really important." Juve can take another step towards the Serie A title on Sunday when they take on third-placed Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo.

Pogba will decide future after World Cup, says agent Mino Raiola insists the Frenchman will consider offers from other clubs as well as a potential new deal in Turin - but only after the showpiece in South America. Mar 28, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, according to his agent Mino Raiola. AMAZONIAN Pogba has enjoyed a superb season with the Bianconeri, notching eight goals in all competitions having firmly established his place in Antonio Conte's first-choice midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. Paris Saint-Germain have long been linked with a big-money move for the 21-year-old, while Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest, but Raiola has made it clear Pogba's future will not be settled until after France's campaign in Brazil this summer. "My priority is always the same: to look after the players I represent," Raiola was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. AMAZONIAN "Between now and the World Cup, nothing will happen. Everything you speak of - a renewal or a possible transfer - will be carefully assessed, but only after Brazil. "Pogba is happy with Juve, just as Juve are glad to have Pogba. He still has a contract in Turin until 2016. There is no rush, no urgency. For now, Pogba will not go. "I say for now he will not go, because if one day a crazy offer for him comes in, we would assess it together. AMAZONIAN "We will evaluate everything after the World Cup: any offers from other clubs, as well as proposals to renew his contract at Juventus. Everything is postponed, as Juventus know. I repeat: there are no problems of any kind." Raiola was eager to stress that Pogba's sole focus is on securing silverware this season, both in Serie A and in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN "At this moment, the boy is thinking about playing, about winning the Scudetto and the Europa League," the agent added. "Pogba is bursting with motivation. He wants to win everything with Juventus, here at the end of the season, and then go to the World Cup with France - an amazing achievement for a phenomenal guy who only a year ago won the World Under-20 championship."

Marchisio: 'Juve miss Champions' Mar 27, 2014 Claudio Marchisio will go all out to win the Europa League, but admits Juventus “haven’t won the Champions League in far too long.” http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder came up through the youth ranks and spoke to fans in Tokyo via a video chat. “Antonio Conte has brought back the winning mentality that had been lacking for a few years. As everyone knows, we work hard and that is down to our Coach. “It is that work ethic that allowed us to achieve these results over the last three seasons.” http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus Stadium in Turin has also received a great deal of praise and the Europa League Final will be held there in May. “As a fan I experienced the Stadio Delle Alpi and as a player the Stadio Olimpico. Above all in the former there wasn’t that same connection between the team and crowd that there is now. “You could tell right from the first game against Parma how intense that rapport was. The fans really are our 12th man. http://markting10.nl/ “Can we will the Europa League? It is a competition we care about a great deal and the Final will be in our home stadium, so we hope to win the trophy here in Turin. “Of course, the dream is the Champions League. This club hasn’t won it in far too long. We’ll try to make up for it next year.” Juventus last lifted the Champions League in Rome, beating Ajax on May 22 1996.